Min push for night transport to support 24x7 economy
Times of India | 14 July 2026
Kolkata: The West Bengal govt is set to revive night bus services in Kolkata to support round-the-clock economy and improve urban mobility, Transport and Labour Minister Arjun Singh said on Monday.
Speaking after visiting the Public Vehicles Department (PVD), the city’s principal Regional Transport Office (RTO), Singh said the govt was working to create a 24x7 business ecosystem that would require dependable public transport late at night.
The move is expected to benefit employees on night shifts, including those in the IT, healthcare, hospitality, logistics and retail sectors, while also supporting businesses that operate beyond conventional hours.
“Our investment committee has been considering the operation of clusters of shops and markets in designated zones that can function throughout the day,” Singh said.
During his visit to the PVD office, the minister also acknowledged the long-standing problem of touts operating at RTOs. “We are exploring ways to re-engage them in a constructive manner so that they assist citizens rather than exploit them,” Singh said.
He said that while the digitisation of transport services had made several processes more transparent and accessible online, some citizens, particularly senior citizens, continued to face difficulties using digital platforms.